Unitus Community Credit Union, Salem, Ore., announced that its branch located in Salem won the regional/national business of the year award from the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. The credit union received the award partially because of its contributions to the community. For several years the credit union has held a host of events to help community organizations, including sponsoring toy drives, clothing drives and holding random acts of kindness days. Credit union representatives also have taught finance classes at area high schools and sponsored school-supply drives.

Michigan Credit Union League, East Lansing, Mich., honored Pat McPharlin, president/CEO of MSU Federal Credit Union, as the Hall of Fame distinguished citizen at their annual meeting in Traverse City, Mich. McPharlin was recognized for his leadership based on his dedication to the MSU FCU, the credit union movement, his community and his university. He served his credit union since 1969 as a vice president of member services before becoming president in 2001. He has doubled MSU FCU's assets within five years of being president. McPharlin is also an active community leader and serves as treasurer for the Capital Area United Way. He has served as a board member for the March of Dimes, along with his involvement in other organizations. Navy Federal Credit Union, Vienna, Va., was presented a mailing excellence award for saving the credit union $4.5 million in postage from the Northern Virginia District of the United States Postal Service. Navy Federal's 21 person staff was able to do this by presorting its mail and adhering to postal guidelines. The $4.5 million discount will be used to support its credit union members.

Niagara County's Federal Credit Union, Albany, N.Y., received the 2009 Ralph W. Hillman marketing award from Universal Sharing Network Inc. The Ralph W. Hillman award recognizes a participating UsNet credit union for best exemplifying the spirit and enthusiasm consistently exhibited by Hillman in his support of the shared branching network. Hillman served as UsNet's chairman of the board from 2001-2003 and had been a board member since 1998. The award seeks to honor those participants in the network who capture the same energy and enthusiasm that made Hillman the spirited leader he was.